infosp20001

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: 39
Date: May 1978
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of "inforespace" delves into the technical aspects of detecting Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) through instrumental means, with a strong emphasis on magnetic detection methods. The cover prominently features the DEMAS 1A detector, highlighting its role in instrumental research.

Editorial

The editorial section, though not fully detailed in the provided text, sets the stage for the issue's technical focus. It likely introduces the importance of rigorous, scientific approaches to UAP investigation.

Articles

"La détection: voie de recherche instrumentale sur le phénomène OVNI"

This article likely introduces the concept of using instruments to detect UAP, emphasizing the shift from purely observational methods to more quantifiable, data-driven research.

"Historique de la détection"

This section probably traces the evolution of UAP detection techniques, from early methods to the more sophisticated instruments discussed in the issue.

"DEMAS 1 A: Détecteur Magnétique Sobeps mod. 1 type Aiguille"

This is the main article of the issue, detailing the development and functionality of the DEMAS 1A magnetic detector. The author, Emile Têcheur, explains the challenges faced in creating a sensitive yet reliable instrument.

• Design Philosophy: The detector aims to identify magnetic field variations, particularly those potentially associated with UAP. Early prototypes struggled with external interference (parasites) from electrical circuits and inductive sources.
• Problem of Parasites: The article highlights the critical issue of external electromagnetic interference. These parasites could trigger false alarms, rendering the detector unreliable. The DEMAS 1A was designed to be highly insensitive to these disturbances.
• Capacitive Detection (Early Approach): Initial designs used a "variation de capacité" principle, where the angle of a magnetic needle influenced the capacitance of a system. However, this proved susceptible to external factors and temperature drifts.
• Photoelectric Solution: The DEMAS 1A utilizes a photoelectric system. A magnetic needle's position influences a light beam from an LED, which in turn excites a photo-transistor. The signal generated by the photo-transistor is proportional to the needle's deviation.
• Temperature Stability: A key innovation is the use of a photoelectric system coupled with a "zone morte" (dead zone). This ensures that normal temperature variations do not cause the detector to trigger, as the operating point remains within this safe zone.
• Alarm and Memory System: The detector has a sound alarm that activates when the needle deviates beyond the dead zone. A memory function (red LED) is engaged only when the deviation reaches a specific threshold (around 3 degrees), indicating a more significant event. This system is designed to be triggered by energetic and sustained signals, further filtering out transient parasites.
• Power Supply: The DEMAS 1A operates on a 220V mains connection, which is deemed more reliable and practical than battery power for this type of instrument.
• Technical Specifications: Sensitivity is preset to a 3-degree needle deviation (1000 gammas). It features a stabilized power supply, insensitivity to temperature and parasites, a bandwidth of 0 to 2 Hertz, and an integrated 0.3 Watt alarm speaker. Power consumption is negligible (a few mA).

"DEMAS 1 B: Détecteur Magnétique Sobeps mod. 1 type Bobine"

This article introduces the DEMAS 1B, a different type of magnetic detector that uses a coil instead of a needle.

• Frequency Range: The coil-based detector is designed for higher frequencies, from 1 Hertz up to approximately 40 kilohertz (limited due to potential interference from the 50 Hz electrical network).
• Principle: It relies on Faraday's law of induction, where a changing magnetic flux through a coil induces a voltage. The equation U = n (dΦ/dt) is presented, showing that the induced voltage is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux.
• Coil Design: The prototype uses a coil with 13,500 turns on a 5 mm diameter steel core, with a mean spire section equivalent to 1.8 m². The noise level at the amplifier input is 0.5 µV.
• Prototype 1: The prototype includes a low-noise preamplifier, an operational amplifier with a double T filter for frequency rejection, and a final amplifier. The total gain is 300,000 (110 dB).
• Performance: The detector demonstrated excellent stability over several months, with no drift in voltage or temperature. It showed high sensitivity, capable of detecting very small magnetic field variations. The article notes that the main challenges are related to industrial and domestic energy use, such as interference from the 50 Hz network and magnetic fields from fluorescent light ballasts, which were addressed by the active filter.

"Le Projet Starlight International"

This section briefly mentions the "Projet Starlight International," suggesting it is a related research initiative or a topic of interest within the UAP community.

"Du détecteur au magnétomètre"

This article likely discusses the transition from basic magnetic detectors to more sophisticated magnetometer devices, possibly exploring their applications in UAP research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the advancement of scientific and instrumental methods for UAP investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, technically sound research, moving away from anecdotal evidence towards measurable data. The emphasis on overcoming technical challenges, such as electromagnetic interference and temperature drift, underscores a commitment to developing reliable detection equipment. The publication actively encourages readers to become members of the detection network, suggesting a collaborative approach to data collection and research.

This document appears to be a technical article from a French publication, likely a magazine focused on scientific instrumentation or ufology, given the context of UAP detection. The issue number is '22', and the title is partially visible as 'Le Projet Sta'. The primary focus is the detailed technical description and analysis of a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) detection system named DEMAS 1B.

DEMAS 1B Detector System

The article presents the DEMAS 1B as the definitive model of a UAP detector, an evolution from a previous prototype (prototype n° 1). The design emphasizes scientific rigor in data collection for UAP phenomena. The system is described in detail through schematics and circuit analysis, covering both analog and digital components.

Circuit Analysis (Section 5.1)

• 5.1.1 Capteur (Sensor): The sensor is identical to the one used in prototype n° 1, featuring a coil with 13,500 turns, an inductance of 10 Henry, and a resistance of 1,500 Ohms.
• 5.1.2 Préampli à faible bruit (Low-Noise Preamplifier): This stage uses transistors to provide a gain of 300 (50 dB) and a bandwidth of 3 to 300 Hz. It boasts a low input noise of 0.5 µV for a bandwidth of 10 Hz, with an adjustable gain control.
• 5.1.3 Etage adapteur d'impédance (Impedance Adapter Stage): This stage connects the preamplifier to the active filter, using a low-value, low-loss capacitor. It aims to improve stability and allow amplification of low frequencies (down to 0.1 Hz).
• 5.1.4 Filtre actif en double T (Active Double-T Filter): This filter allows selection of central frequencies at 2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, or 20 Hz, depending on the intended use and desired sector rejection.
• 5.1.5 Ampli O.P.A. 100 x (Operational Amplifier 100x): With a bandwidth of 15 Hz, this stage brings the total gain to 300,000. The output signal is analog and suitable for a moving-coil meter.
• 5.1.6 Détecteur de valeur absolue II (Absolute Value Detector II): This component transforms the symmetrical analog signal into a continuous, positive-polarity voltage without a detection threshold. A smoothing capacitor filters the detected signal for integration of short-duration signals.
• 5.1.7 Trigger de schmitt (Schmitt Trigger): This provides a command pulse for the RS memory with an adjustable control threshold, ranging from 1.8V to 5V.
• 5.1.8 Temporisation fixe (Fixed Timer): A fixed delay of approximately 0.2 seconds is used primarily to prevent the triggering of fluorescent tube ballasts.
• 5.1.9 Monostable: This provides an adjustable delay, allowing for a delayed detection based on local electromagnetic radiation.
• 5.1.10 Mémoire R.S. (RS Memory): Upon detection, this unit memorizes the information and activates an LED. An output pulse also triggers a 1 kHz oscillator to produce an audible alarm.
• 5.1.11 R.A.Z. (Reset): Two reset functions are included: an automatic reset upon power interruption (network failure) and a manual reset to return the RS flip-flop to standby after detection.
• 5.1.12 Oscillateur 1 kHz (1 kHz Oscillator): Followed by an amplifier driving a loudspeaker, this produces a cadence-like, intermittent audible alarm. The frequency is adjustable.
• 5.1.13 Astables I et II: These provide control signals for the 1 kHz oscillator, generating a series of alarm beeps (10 seconds duration) followed by a 10-second silence.

Technical Characteristics and Performance (Section 5.2)

• Total Amplifier Gain: 300,000 (110 dB).
• Gain Adjustment: 3,000 to 300,000 (front panel).
• Temperature Drift: Not measurable.
• Usable Gain: Approximately 25,000 to 50,000 (with the specific coil described).
• Maximum Sensitivity (with 13,500-turn coil): 8.4 x 10-7 Tesla/sec (840 gammas/sec) or 84 gammas at 10 Hz.

Magnetic Tape Recorder Interface (Figure 6)

Section 6 discusses possible extensions, specifically an interface for magnetic tape recorders (Figure 6). This interface, currently under development, would allow for systematic recording of detected signals on a "mini-cassette" type recorder. This feature is valuable for precise time-stamping of events.

• The interface includes:
• A voltage-to-frequency converter to translate the analog signal into frequency variations.
• A quartz clock, binary counter, and control logic to convert parallel binary data into serial binary data.
• Two non-harmonically fixed frequency oscillators, one modulated by the voltage-to-frequency converter's output and the other by the serial binary signal.
• A mixer to send the two modulated frequencies to a cassette recorder.

The system's control logic and recorder start/stop would be triggered by the Schmitt trigger's output signal.

Project Context

The article mentions that such projects are often kept in "drawers" but highlights the DEMAS 1B project as an exception, driven by the desire to collect rigorous scientific data on UAP phenomena. It references a committee and an individual named Dr. Garry C. Henderson, suggesting an interest in developing sophisticated detection systems. The project is based in a facility with diverse instrumentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication strongly advocates for a scientific and rigorous approach to studying UAP phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of sophisticated instrumentation, precise data collection, and detailed technical analysis. The tone is informative and technical, aimed at an audience interested in the practical aspects of UAP detection technology. The editorial stance supports the development of advanced detection systems to gather reliable data, moving beyond anecdotal evidence towards quantifiable measurements.